The Significance of The Kumbh Mela 2019

January 11, 20190650

The Kumbh Mela is a Hindu festival and has also been anchored in Hindu mythology. The Mela is the largest public gathering and collective act of faith, anywhere in the world ever. In 2019, Kumbha is happening at Prayagraj and aiming to draws tens of millions of pilgrims over the course of approximately 48 days to bathe at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the mystical Sarasvati. This congregation will include majorly Ascetics, Saints, Sadhus, Sadhvis, Kalpvasis, and Pilgrims from all walks of life.

The Kumbh Mela is a religious festival in Hinduism celebrated four times over the course of 12 years. The site of the observance rotating between four pilgrimage places on four sacred rivers.

At Haridwar on the Ganges River,

At Ujjain on the Shipra,

At Nashik on the Godavari,

And at Prayag at the confluence of the Ganges, the Jamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati.

Each place’s celebration is based on a distinct set of astrological positions of the Sun, the Moon, and Jupiter, the holiest time occurring at the exact moment when these positions are fully occupied. The Kumbh Mela at Prayag, in particular, attracts millions of pilgrims. In addition, a Great Kumbh Mela festival is held every 144 years at Prayag; the 2001 festival attracted some 60 million people.

Here are the famous things to do in Kumbh Mela Prayagraj.

BATHING

The Kumbh Mela comprises many rituals including bathing ritual, which by far is the most significant ritual performed at Kumbh. Millions of people take part in the Kumbh bathing ritual at the Triveni Sangam. Performing this sacred ceremony is in accordance with the belief that by submerging oneself in the holy waters, one is purged of all their sins, release themselves and their ancestors from the cycle of rebirth and ultimate attainment of Moksha. Along with the bathing ritual, the pilgrims also worship on the banks of the holy river and participate in discourses from various sadhus and saints.

People can bath any of the days during the Kumbh, yet there are some specific auspicious bathing dates when one can get more than just a holy bath. Here are the dates:

Makar Sankranti: 15 Jan 2019 at Sangam, Prayagraj

This day marks the entry of Sun in its next astronomical position as per the Hindu calendar. This day marks the beginning of donations at Kumbh Mela. It is customary for pilgrims to donate as per their will.

Paush Purnima: 21 Jan 2019 at Sangam, Prayagraj

Paush Poornima is the 15th day in the month of Shukla Paksha of the Hindu calendar month Paush. Poornima signifies the rise of the full moon. The Kumbh Mela’s unofficial beginning is marked by this day. This day also marks the beginning of Kalpvasa.

Mauni Amavasya: 4 Feb 2019 at Sangam, Prayagraj

It is widely believed that on this date the planetary positions are most favorable for bathing in the holy river. On this day, Rishabh Dev, considered as the first sage broke his long vow of silence and bathed in the holy waters at Sangam. The maximum number of pilgrims are found in the mela on this day.

Basant Panchami: 10 Feb 2019 at Sangam, Prayagraj

This day is indicative of the changing of seasons and marks the arrival of Goddess of Knowledge Saraswati as per Hindu Mythology. Kalpavasis wear yellow colored clothes this day to mark the importance of Basant Panchami.

Maghi Purnima: 19 Feb 2019 at Sangam, Prayagraj

This day is known for its association with the worship of Guru Brahaspati and the belief that Hindu god Gandharva travels from the heavens to Sangam. This day sees a surge in pilgrims at the holy ghats owing to the belief that they will be guided to heaven in their humanly form.

Mahashivratri: 4 Mar 2019 at Sangam, Prayagraj

This day is symbolic of the last holy bath of the Kalpvasis and is directly related to Lord Shankar. As per mythology, this day is awaited in the heavens as well.

TOURIST WALKS

The Government of Uttar Pradesh has unveiled Tourist Walks and introduced new routes for the tourists visiting Prayagraj. The brief details of the routes are as under (Refer to Attachment)

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